Overview
Pulsatilla montana is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Pulsatilla, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Pulsatilla montana grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, alpine bed, gravel garden and patio and container plants.
About
Description Pulsatilla montana is a perennial hemicryptophyte characterised by its deeply dissected basal leaves and solitary, nodding, bell-shaped flowers, which are typically dark purple to bluish-purple. The entire plant is densely covered with soft hairs, especially in the early phenological stages. It is one of the earliest flowering Pulsatilla species in Europe (Jäger et al. 2017), with anthesis taking place from March to April. Distribution and habitat The species typically inhabits open, dry, calcareous to gravelly grasslands and sparse pine or oak forests, often on south-facing slopes (Nikolić 2020). Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for rock garden, alpine bed, gravel garden and patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Water during establishment.
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Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pulsatilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pulsatilla montana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Alpine bed, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulsatilla montana
- Propagation
- Seed sown as soon as ripe, Root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Slugs may eat the flowers
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pulsatilla montana?
Pulsatilla montana prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Pulsatilla montana need?
Pulsatilla montana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Pulsatilla montana hardy in the UK?
Pulsatilla montana has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Pulsatilla montana?
Seed sown as soon as ripe, Root cuttings in winter.
More in the Pulsatilla genus
- Pulsatilla alba
- Pulsatilla alpinaalpine anemone
- Pulsatilla koreana
- Pulsatilla patens subsp. flavescens
- Pulsatilla violacea
- Pulsatilla vulgarispasqueflower
- Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Pulsar White'
- Pulsatilla red-flowered